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Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says he's running again in 2027
Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn at St. Leo University on April 24, 2025. (Photo from St. Leo's University) The former mayor of Florida's third biggest city says he wants to return to finish the job. Bob Buckhorn led Tampa from 2011 to 2019 before he was term-limited from office. Now, nearly two years away from the next election, he says he wants back in. 'Tampa has more chapters to write and to the extent that I can be helpful I will, ' Buckhorn told the Phoenix in a text message on Thursday night. 'It was a job that I loved and the opportunity to lead this city and finish the job would be an honor.' The 66-year-old Democrat won re-election for mayor by gaining 95% of the vote in 2016, sparking speculation that he would run for Florida governor in 2018. But he announced early in 2017 that, with two teenage daughters at home, 'the timing for me and my family would be a challenge.' There is precedent in Tampa for former mayors running again for office. Dick Greco was elected at three different times as mayor and just barely missed making a run-off for a fourth term in 2011 (losing by fewer than 400 votes to Buckhorn). Among Buckhorn's likely opponents is Tampa City Council Bill Carlson, a noted foe of Buckhorn and sitting Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. Carlson told the Phoenix that he is working on a plan and will announced his candidacy 'when the time is right.' 'The community is clearly saying they want to move on from the Castor/Buckhorn era and move toward a positive, collaborative vision that's focused on people, not buildings,' Carlson said. The Tampa mayoral election will take place in March 2, 2027.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says he's running again
The Brief Bob Buckhorn says he will run for a third term as Tampa's mayor in 2027. He previously held the office from 2011-19. Two other candidates have already filed to run for mayor in the 2027 race. TAMPA, Fla. - Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn announced on Thursday that he's planning to seek a return to the city's top office in 2027. Officials at Saint Leo University say Buckhorn spoke to two sessions of a Faith & Politics course, during which he revealed his plans. The backstory Buckhorn served as Tampa's 58th mayor from April 2011 until May 2019. Prior to his mayoral stint, Buckhorn first worked in the mayor's office as special assistant to then-Mayor Sandy Freedman in 1987. PREVIOUS: Tampa Mayor Buckhorn reminisces as he begins clearing his office He was elected to the Tampa City Council in 1995, serving two terms before leaving public office to join a public affairs company in 2003. During his eight years as mayor, Buckhorn oversaw several major projects throughout the city and received more than 100 awards. What's next Current Mayor Jane Castor has been in office since Buckhorn's departure in 2019 and was reelected in 2023. According to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office, Alan Henderson and Julie Magill have filed to run for mayor in 2027. Buckhorn has not officially filed the paperwork. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source This story was written with information from Saint Leo University, the City of Tampa, the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office and previous FOX 13 News reports. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
